Zebra Mussels

Zebra MusselDreissena Polymorpha"The Clogger"

*Sharp, small, shellfish*Stripes like a "zebra"*Up to two inches long

HAVE YOU SEEN ME?

*Great Lakes*Mississippi River*Tennessee River*Hudson River*Ohio River

Native to Russia, possibly traveled by boat to Great Lakes in 1988.

WHERE DID I COME FROM?

CURRENTLY

CRIME

Formation of dense coloniesof zebra mussels on any hard surface leads to clogged pipes, and destruction of boats, piersdocks, and plants. These mussels also take away plankton from otherfilter feeding organisms.

REWARD

Preservation of boats, piers, docks, and pants. As well the balancing out of aquatic ecosystems. Over the a 10-year peiod, zebra mussels have caused an economic impact of aproximately $5 billion from the costs of cleaning and maintenance.